Anion

An anion is a type of ion, which is a charged particle. Specifically, an anion carries a negative charge because it has gained one or more electrons. This can happen when an atom or molecule attracts extra electrons, leading to more electrons than protons. Anions are important in various chemical processes and play a crucial role in forming compounds, like salts, where they combine with positively charged ions (cations). Common examples of anions include chloride (Cl⁻) and sulfate (SO₄²⁻), both of which are found in everyday substances such as table salt and soap.